PKB

Thursday, February 3, 2011

2011

For New Years Eve we decided to brave the crowds and head into the city. We decided to go for the 9pm 'family fireworks' aka: before the drunks come around fireworks.

We took the train to get there...I think it's the first time a few people in my family had even been on a train.

We planted ourselves right near the bridge, because that's where the fireworks come from. We were so excited about our spot!

Then it was a waiting game...

Mom decided to try some Australian 'Nerds'...(a knockoff brand).

Her face says it all.

I think it's safe to say, she wasn't a fan.

Some crafty airplane eh?

Day...

...to night.

Mom brought our traditional glowsticks. Jocey loves glowsticks!

Nick used his glowsticks to keep his glasses on.

So crafty Nick!

Um...and here come the photos of the fireworks...

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Alas!

The family fireworks were on the ends of the harbour, not off the bridge. Fancy that!

Anyone and everyone was running around to try to be able to see them, because no-one around us could. I was disappointed but the family was good about it a just laughed. What can you do?

Nada.

So we had a good adventure, and then came home and watched the fireworks off the bridge from the comfort of the Krok's home theatre.

Oh Australia, you tease!

-December 31, 2010-

xoxo

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Bondi

Hey guys. I know you all just were yearning for another beach post. Well, I listened! Here she is folks!

Bondi Beach.

This is probably the most famous beach in NSW. It always delivers good surf, good crowds and good fun!

(ps..want to find a super SUPER expensive house/apartment? Just try any of those beauts there. Millions guys.)

We brought the boogey boards this time. Chantel caught some massive waves!

Jocey was happy to just surf the white-wash, which worked well with the huge surf that day!

She made it all the way in a few times. Not too shabby for a beachless-Utah girl eh?

And here we are again with the sand. This time, instead of a castle, we decided that Jocey loved Bondi so much that we'd trap her there.

She doesn't look too sad about that!

-December 29, 2010-

xoxo

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Manly

Yes. This post is called Manly.

For this manly-man below...

I kid! I kid!

(although you are ultra-manly braden)

Manly is the name of a popular beach here in Sydney. You can take the ferry from right in the city out to this beach and get some beautiful views of the harbor on the way. Perfect for the tourists. :)

...and the non-tourists too.

On an Australian summer day, who can complain about a beach day? We surely can't!

The waves were crashing and it wore us out just to stand in the surf.

Haha- I love this photo of Phil. Where is the big wave that knocked him off his feet?

Do you see one? I don't!

Braden and I mastered the art of helping Jocelyn over the massive waves. Now that's teamwork!

Justin has always been our 'beached whale'. He's always just floating along the surf letting the waves push him in onto the sand.

Free ride? Why not!

When the waves tuckered us out we resorted to the sand castle approach. Don't judge our Perucca crafty skills. A castle is a castle alright?

...Even if it is a pyramid...

Tired and tanned, we headed back on the ferry, through the city and back home again.

Full day. Full fun!

And we're weird and jump down the sidewalk holding hands. I thought it was normal. But with the looks we got, I guess not. Oh well.

-December 30, 2010-

Monday, January 31, 2011

City Slickers

The fam spent a day exploring the city of Sydney and basking in the hot sun.

We started off by meandering our way through the Botanical Gardens. These are right on the harbour. They're huge and so pretty!

and full of bats! Lots of them! Kind of gross, but kind of cool? I guess?

We had a picnic lunch next to the water and then headed off to....

the Opera House!

No visit to Australia would be complete without the Sydney Opera House right?

Right!

The Botanical Gardens lead you right there. Perfect.

. Are we measly American tourists who just walk around the Opera House?

Oh Pahlease! Of course not.

Opera House Tour- here we come!

I was so glad that we ended up doing this. It was amazing to actually be inside. Check out the views...

(this is the set-up for the Premier's {US translation: State Governor} new years party that would be the next night)

We learned that the architect wanted people in the Opera House to be able to feel like they were on a ship in the habor. That's why they used glass everywhere and have the Opera House 'sails' up top. This picture was taken from the 'bridge' of the ship.

Here's the exterior of the place. The architecture is stunning folks. My jaw is still dropped. Right here, right now.

Did you think that the sails were a smooth pure white?

False!

They're tiles of varying colors in a chevron pattern.

We learned so much from our tour guide and even got to go into each concert hall. (there are 3 total...yeah news to us too!)

Such a good time and so informative. It was amazing to be inside the building and to learn about the architect, the history and the little known facts of the Opera House.

After the Opera House we plunked down outside for a little relaxer.

Don't mind us, we'll just enjoy the view.